JUDE: CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH PART 7

Speaker: Rich Gartman

Series:

Scripture:

Main Idea:

Introduction:

Good morning, everyone! It’s wonderful to gather together to worship and study God’s Word. Before we dive into today’s message, let me share a little joke to lighten our hearts. A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am!" It’s a funny reminder of our need for God's grace to transform us, which is exactly what our passage today is about. We’ll be focusing on Jude 1:24-25, a powerful doxology that reassures us of God's ability to keep us and present us blameless before His glory.

Bible Verse:

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Point 1: God’s Power to Keep Us

Explanation:

Jude begins this doxology by affirming that God is able to keep us from stumbling.

A doxology is a short hymn or statement of praise to God. It typically expresses glorification, adoration, and thanksgiving. Doxologies are often used in Christian worship services and are usually addressed to the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) or to God alone. They are meant to acknowledge God's greatness, power, and majesty.

In Scripture, doxologies can be found as expressions of praise at the conclusion of letters or prayers, such as Jude 1:24-25, which celebrates God's power and eternal dominion.

This speaks to God's protective power over our lives. It’s not by our strength that we stand firm in our faith, but by God's power working in us. He is the one who safeguards our spiritual journey, ensuring that we do not fall away.

Illustration:

Think of a mountain climber who is securely attached to a guide by a safety rope. No matter how challenging the climb, the climber has the assurance that the guide will not let them fall. Similarly, God is our ultimate guide and protector, holding us securely and preventing us from stumbling in our faith.

Application:

We need to rely on God’s power rather than our own efforts. This means turning to Him in prayer, trusting in His promises, and seeking His strength in times of weakness. Let’s cultivate a habit of daily dependence on God, knowing that He is faithful to keep us from stumbling.

Bible Verse – Point 2:

25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Point 2: The Glory of God’s Salvation

Explanation:

Jude emphasizes that it is through Jesus Christ our Lord that God’s glory, majesty, dominion, and authority are manifested. This acknowledges the central role of Christ in our salvation. God’s glory is revealed in His saving work through Jesus, who enables us to stand blameless and joyful before Him.

Illustration:

Imagine a courtroom where a guilty person stands before the judge. Suddenly, someone steps forward and offers to take the penalty on behalf of the guilty one, allowing them to go free. This is what Christ has done for us. He took our place, bore our sins, and now we stand blameless before God, covered in His righteousness.

Application:

We should live our lives in response to the incredible salvation we’ve received. This means giving glory to God in everything we do, recognizing His authority, and living in a way that reflects His majesty and dominion. Let’s honor God by living out our faith with gratitude and reverence.

Point 3: The Joy of Our Blameless Presentation

Explanation:

Jude concludes with the assurance that we will be presented blameless before God’s presence with great joy. This promise fills us with hope and joy as we look forward to being in God’s glorious presence forever. Our ultimate destiny is to stand joyfully before God, free from sin and its consequences.

Illustration:

Think of a bride on her wedding day, radiantly joyful as she stands before her groom, spotless and beautiful. This image captures the joy and purity we will experience when we are presented before God, our divine bridegroom, blameless and filled with great joy.

Application:

We should let this future hope shape our present lives. Knowing that we will be presented blameless and joyful before God should motivate us to live holy and joyful lives now. Let’s focus on growing in holiness and joy, reflecting the reality of our future with God.

Conclusion:

Soli Deo Gloria" is a Latin phrase that means "Glory to God alone." It is one of the five solae, which are the core principles of the Protestant Reformation. These principles summarize the Reformers' basic theological beliefs in contrast to certain teachings of the Roman Catholic Church of that era.

"Soli Deo Gloria" emphasizes that all glory is due to God alone, not to humans or any other created beings. It asserts that everything we do, from our salvation to our daily actions, should be done for the glory of God. This principle encourages believers to live their lives in a way that honors and exalts God, acknowledging His supreme authority and grace in all things.

In conclusion, Jude 1:24-25 offers us profound assurance of God’s power to keep us, the glory of His salvation through Jesus Christ, and the joy of our future presentation before Him. Let’s rest in these truths, allowing them to deepen our faith and shape our daily lives.